'Out Of Control'

Julia leaves Ruth to do a spot of gardening at her house and when she arrives at work, she comments to Karen on Ruth’s progress. Julia’s glad that she did the right thing by Ruth but is slightly despondent when Karen suggests that Ruth will soon be ready to move back to her own house. Julia admits that this is the best thing but she has enjoyed mothering Ruth and it’s evident that she will miss the company. Karen questions whether it would be suitable for Ruth to return to work at The Mill but Julia doesn’t see why this would be a problem if it were a gradual introduction back, starting from next week.

Karen doesn’t have a problem with this but tells Julia that she’s not sure about the other staff, especially Heston. When Julia speaks to Heston, he uncompromisingly informs Julia that Ruth will not be returning to work at The Mill; he has given Michelle his guarantee. Although Julia tells Heston it’s not his decision, he’s convinced the staff will side with him while Julia has faith they’ll do the right thing.

Back at Julia’s a contented Ruth is happily working in the garden; oblivious to the drama that surrounds her return to work. Lily tries to placate Heston and Julia who are arguing in the staffroom over Ruth’s return, and suggests that Ruth needs to be assessed and they should find a neutral associate to do this. Jimmi rebuffs Julia’s assertion that he is the best person to assess Ruth and supports Heston, suggesting that Melody would be a good candidate. Julia approaches Melody and assures her she’s the perfect person for Ruth’s assessment.

Melody is happy she’s being trusted with this but reality hits when Karen tells her this might be slightly contentious. Heston puts the pressure on Melody to make the ‘right’ decision, and has to admit to Michelle that she will be assessing whether Ruth is fit to return to work. Michelle is stunned; Heston promised her that Ruth wouldn’t return. As Melody tries to give her case Michelle angrily shoots her down and Melody realises what she has let herself in for.

Meanwhile, During a long jog, friends Abi Hunter (21) and Sarah Copland (19) make a short cut through the university car park when they come across Michelle unloading her car. As they jog past, Sarah faints, prompting Michelle to go over to help. Sarah plays down the fainting; they’re students so it’s probably the stress of exams and she may have overdone the exercise slightly. Michelle advises Sarah to come to the Campus Surgery to get checked out but Abi takes charge and dismisses Michelle. As the friends turn to leave Michelle spots some severe bruising on Sarah’s arm but Sarah quickly plays this down and they both jog off, leaving a helpless Michelle behind.

Michelle prepares to give her seminar on nursing in general practice and is shocked to see trainee nurses, Sarah and Abi in the audience. After the seminar a scared Sarah approaches Michelle when Abi is out of the room and Michelle takes her to the surgery. Concerned about Sarah’s fainting episodes, Michelle questions her about her weight. Sarah protests she is a blob and is being helped by Abi (who, in the meantime, is in the university toilets trying to make herself sick). Michelle questions Sarah’s bruises, thinking that Abi might have a part to play but Sarah instantly defends her friend; she saved her life. Abi helped Sarah to become more confident so playing along Michelle asks the secret behind this; could Abi help her with her own weight issues?

Michelle is shocked when Sarah shows her the ‘Pro-Ana’ websites and reveals that her ideal goal weight is five stone with Abi already achieving her goal of five and a half stone. She tries to advise Sarah but is interrupted by a fuming Abi who storms in, berating Sarah for opening up to Michelle. Michelle tries to warn Sarah that she is seriously ill but Abi butts in, she wants to make a complaint against her for patient manipulation. Michelle happily gives her Julia’s details but is left frustrated when the pair leave.

Abi strides off to see Julia at The Mill and Michelle follows suit, catching up with Sarah in the car park where she attempts to apologise. Julia tells Abi there’s not much that can be done without Sarah herself making a complaint but Abi remains confident. Michelle starts to make headway with an exhausted Sarah but Abi interrupts them and urges Sarah to make a complaint.

Michelle persists in trying to make Sarah see sense but she still protests that Abi saved her during a low period and won’t be persuaded. However, Abi collapses and Michelle tries to make her see what she is doing to her body. She’s stunned to hear that it’s not an appearance issue but one of control which proves ironic when it’s revealed that she has wet herself. This is the turning point for Sarah, but Abi is defiant and refusing help, she leaves.

Michelle comforts a teary Sarah who reveals how tired and weary she is, but speaks of how inspired she has been with Michelle’s nursing seminar. Michelle supports Sarah and heads out to get her seen by one of the doctors whilst Abi is back at the running track, unable to relinquish control. Julia confirms to Michelle that she is in the clear as Sarah won’t be making a complaint.